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Write cat-sitting steps for a neighbor, with the vet number first
Practice: Asking for a format you can use. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Your neighbor is feeding your cat while you're away. Write exactly 5 numbered steps, each one sentence under 18 words, plain text: step 1 is who to call in an emergency with both numbers, then feeding with the vet's corrected amount, then water, litter and lock-up. Leave out the cat's medical history. Write a prompt that gets you exactly that.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- No fixed shape. The AI writes a long care guide with headings and tips. Try: Be exact: "Exactly 5 numbered steps, one sentence each."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 90 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part instead: "each step under 18 words."
- Emergency info last. The AI puts the numbers at the bottom, where they're hard to find in a hurry. Try: Add: "Step 1: emergency, call me at 555-0164, then the vet at 555-0199."
- Using the old amount. 1/2 cup comes first in the notes; the vet's update is below it. Try: Add: "Feed 1/3 cup twice a day with the green scoop."
- Including medical history. The AI explains the diet and past surgery, which the sitter doesn't need. Try: Add: "Leave out his medical history."
What a strong prompt includes
- Puts emergencies first
- Uses the vet's update
- Sets the number of steps
- Leaves out history
- Sets a word limit
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